First study on diversity and antimicrobial-resistant profile of staphylococci in sports animals of Southern Thailand

• Published in: Veterinary World Vol. 15; no. 3; pp. 765 - 774
• Main Authors: Fungwithaya, Punpichaya, Boonchuay, Kanpapat, Narinthorn, Ruethai, Sontigun, Narin, Sansamur, Chalutwan, Petcharat, Yotsapat, Thomrongsuwannakij, Thotsapol, Wongtawan, Tuempong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Veterinary World 01.03.2022
• Subjects: antimicrobial resistance; fighting bulls; fighting cocks; riding horses; staphylococcus; fighting bulls; antimicrobial resistance; fighting cocks; riding horses; Staphylococcus
• ISSN: 0972-8988; 2231-0916
• DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.765-774

Staphylococci are commensal bacteria and opportunistic pathogens found on the skin and mucosa. Sports animals are more prone to injury and illness, and we believe that antimicrobial agents might be extensively used for the treatment and cause the existence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the diversity and AMR profile of staphylococci in sports animals (riding horses, fighting bulls, and fighting cocks) in South Thailand. Nasal (57 fighting bulls and 33 riding horses) and skin swabs (32 fighting cocks) were taken from 122 animals. Staphylococci were cultured in Mannitol Salt Agar and then identified species by biochemical tests using the VITEK 2 card for Gram-positive organisms in conjunction with the VITEK 2 COMPACT machine and genotypic identification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed with VITEK 2 AST-GN80 test kit cards and VITEK 2 COMPACT machine. Detection of AMR genes , , and and staphylococcal chromosomal (SCC ) type was evaluated by PCR. Forty-one colonies of staphylococci were isolated, and six species were identified, including (61%), (15%), (10%), (7%), (5%), and (2%). Staphylococci were highly resistant to two drug classes, penicillin (93%) and cephalosporin (51%). About 56% of the isolates were methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), and the majority was (82%), which is primarily found in horses. Most MRS (82%) were multidrug-resistant. Almost all (96%) of the -positive MRS harbored the gene. Almost all MRS isolates possessed an unknown type of SCC . Interestingly, the AMR rate was notably lower in fighting bulls and cocks than in riding horses, which may be related to the owner's preference for herbal therapy over antimicrobial drugs. This study presented many types of staphylococci displayed on bulls, cocks, and horses. However, we found a high prevalence of MRS in horses that could be transmitted to owners through close contact activities and might be a source of AMR genotype transmission to other staphylococci.